The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced the Prohibited List for 2026, which outlines the substances and methods banned in sports. The list is categorized to specify which substances are prohibited at all times, only during competitions, or in certain sports. Athletes can review the list and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if necessary.

The easiest way to check the prohibited status of medications is to visit globaldro.com

Regarding the Prohibited List for 2026, which was published by the World Anti-Doping Agency in September 2025, the list will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

The below sections summarize the major changes to the List for 2026:

• Manipulation of Blood or Blood Components

Currently, the administration or reintroduction of blood or red blood cell products of any origin into the circulatory system is prohibited. In 2026, the withdrawal of blood or blood components (even without reintroduction into the circulatory system) will also be prohibited, unless withdrawal occurs for the following reasons:

• Analytical procedures such as medical tests or Doping Control
• Donation purposes performed in an accredited collection centre.

This means that bloodletting procedures (such as, venesection to treat conditions like hemochromatosis) will be prohibited in 2026 and will require an athlete to obtain a TUE to cover the use of such a medical intervention.

• Carbon Monoxide

The use of re-breathing systems or equipment to deliver carbon monoxide will be prohibited in 2026, unless performed as a diagnostic procedure under the supervision of a medical or scientific professional.

• Inhaled Salmeterol

The allowed use of inhaled salmeterol will be modified in 2026. The total permitted daily dose of 200 micrograms over 24 hours remains unchanged. However, athletes will only be able to therapeutically inhale up to 100 micrograms of salmeterol over any 8-hour period (and not to exceed 200 micrograms over 24 hours).

• Gene and Cell Doping

The use of cell components (e.g. nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes) will be added to the existing definition that prohibits the use of normal or genetically modified cells. The inclusion of cell components means that the use of mitochondrial transplantation therapy will also be prohibited in 2026.

• Additional Examples

Several new examples of prohibited substances have been added to various categories of the List.

• Click here to view the prohibited list for year 2026
• Click here for the 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes

 

Monitoring Program for 2026:

WADA has also published the 2026 Monitoring Program which includes substances that are not on the List, but that WADA wishes to monitor in order to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport. (to view the list, click here)